Well, I have only ever bid on auction on one rifle in my life, with success as you know.
But I must admit it was a bit strange to contemplate the expenditure of such a sum without physically inspecting myself the rifle and having been brought to consider this beauty by AH forum member
@rookhawk, who I had never met in real life!
I did my due diligence of course, looking at current prices and estimates for recreating such a rifle new, as well as the budget I could make available. And for the inspection part I used an intermediate to inspect in my stead.
No regrets so far though, as it was a well contemplated decision from my side. I allowed my rational side, without too much looking at the emotional final price tag, which I use daily in my work to make the decision for me. It worked out